question about gapping intercooler pipe joints

[Cyrus]

i am in the process of constructing a "home depot" lower intercooler pipe. my question is, should i leave some wiggle room between the metal of the connections at the turbo and/or the intercooler? i am thinking they need some room to flex when the engine moves. i know the silicone or rubber couplers will allow some movement, but that will be mostly up and down. should i leave a few centimeters between the pipes to allow some forward and backward play as well?

 

[hvyman]

Why not just use 3 couplers and 2 straight pipes? Or get the pipes welded and have 2 couplers? Neither of those options are much money.

If your using Pcv pipes there going to break.

 

[Cyrus]

hvy, i am thinking i'll be using a single pipe, 2 couplers: one at the turbo, one at the intercooler (this is just for the lower ic pipe run). i plan to use thin-walled steel pipe, as it is cheap and easy to work with. i am wondering how much room to leave between the steel pipe and the turbo outlet, as well as between the steel pipe and the intercooler inlet.

 

[hvyman]

Just a little bit or a lot. Doesn't matter too much. Couplers only move so far.

 

[Cyrus]

ok ill leave at least a cm for movement. thanks!